Operation control method for a frictional engagement element

ABSTRACT

An operation control method for a frictional engagement element which includes engaging means and piston means for urging the engaging means to engage, the operation of the piston means being controlled by means of pressurized oil supplied through a hydraulic control device for producing an oil pressure of the level corresponding to the quantity of electricity supplied thereto. The relationship between the quantity of electricity supplied to the hydraulic control device and the stroke speed of the piston means is previously stored. An ineffective stroke amount of the piston means is detected from the sum total of the products of drive periods, based on the quantities of electricity supplied to the hydraulic control device while the piston means travels through an ineffective stroke section, and stroke speeds corresponding individually to the quantities of electricity. The stored value of the ineffective stroke amount of the piston means is updated to store the detected ineffective stroke amount. When the piston means is moved through the ineffective stroke section, the period for the electric power supply to the hydraulic control device is monitored in accordance with the updated ineffective stroke amount, and the arrival of the piston means at the position just short of the engagement start position is detected.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an operation control method for a friction engagement element, such as a clutch, brake, etc., and more particularly, to operation control for quickly moving a piston of a frictional engagement element within its ineffective stroke sections.

Frictional engagement elements, such as clutches, brakes, etc., used in automatic vehicular transmission systems and the like are each composed of frictional engaging members, which are connected individually to input and output members, and engaging each other, and a hydraulically-operated piston urging the engaging members to engage each other. In supplying an oil pressure to the respective pistons of the frictional engagement elements so that the pistons are pressed against the engaging members to cause the engaging members on the input- and output-member sides to engage each other, it requires a long time (hereinafter referred to as "piston ineffective stroke time") for the pistons to travel through their dead or ineffective stroke from a full oil-pressure release position to a position just short of the engagement start position for the engaging members. In the meantime, the frictional engagement elements are subject to no engaging force. Due to delay of the start of the engagement of the clutches and the like, the transmission control operation of the automatic transmission systems requires a lot of time, thus entailing various problems on hydraulic circuit control.

In order to solve these problems, the maximum effective oil pressure (maximum oil pressure allowed to be practically supplied from a hydraulic control device to the pistons) should only be supplied to the pistons to shorten the stroke speed, for example. However, since the time required for each piston to move through its ineffective stroke from the oil pressure release position to the position just short of the engagement start position varies, depending on the magnitude of the oil pressure supplied to the piston, the pressurized oil temperature, the amount of wear of sliding portions of the piston after prolonged use, etc., so the supply time for the maximum effective oil pressure cannot be kept constant.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The principal object of the present invention is to provide an operation control method for a frictional engagement element, such as clutch, capable of shortening the aforementioned piston ineffective stroke time of the engagement element, which is functionally inevitable, and of improving the hydraulic responsiveness of the frictional engagement elements.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an operation control method for a frictional engagement element, ensuring a function to learn operating conditions for the shortest piston ineffective stroke time, despite variations of the working conditions of the frictional engagement element, such as the magnitude of the oil pressure supplied to the piston, change of pressurized oil temperature and the like, change of performance due to use, e.g., wear of sliding portions of the piston, thereby improving the hydraulic responsiveness of the frictional engagement element.

According to the present invention, an operation control method is carried out for a frictional engagement element which includes engaging means and piston means for urging said engaging means to engage, the operation of said piston means being controlled by means of pressurized oil supplied through a hydraulic control device operated in accordance with a control signal to produce an oil pressure of a level corresponding to a value of the control signal input thereto, said piston means having an ineffective stroke section between a first position reached when said pressurized oil is not supplied from said hydraulic control device and a second position just before said engaging means starts to engage. According to the present invention, the method comprises previously storing data representing a relationship between the value of the control signal input to said hydraulic control device and the stroke speed of said piston means; detecting values of the control signals input to said hydraulic control device while said piston means travels through said ineffective stroke section, and detecting drive periods corresponding individually to said values of the control signals; obtaining stroke speeds corresponding individually to the detected values of the control signals, based on the previously stored data representing said relationship; calculating products of the obtained stroke speeds and the detected drive periods corresponding thereto; calculating an ineffective stroke amount of said piston means from the sum total of the products of the obtained stroke speeds and the detected drive periods corresponding thereto; storing the calculated ineffective stroke amount as a new ineffective stroke amount, each time said piston means travels through said ineffective stroke section; and obtaining a drive period of said piston means in accordance with the stored new ineffective stroke amount and the value of a desired control signal to be input to said hydraulic control device, and supplying the value of said desired control signal over the obtained drive period, when said piston means is moved through said ineffective stroke section, thereby causing said piston means to reach said second position. piston means is moved through the ineffective stroke section, so that the piston means is caused to reach the second position.

Preferably, the hydraulic control device comprises hydraulic source means for producing the oil pressure, an oil passage connecting the hydraulic source means and the piston means, and a solenoid valve disposed in an intermediate portion of the oil passage and adapted to control the oil pressure supplied to the piston means by changing the duty factor of the solenoid valve. The solenoid valve is controlled by a duty factor control signal input to the hydraulic control device.

Preferably, moreover, the supply time required in moving the piston means through the ineffective stroke section at the maximum effective oil pressure is calculated on the basis of the new ineffective stroke amount, and the maximum effective oil pressure is supplied to the piston means over the calculated maximum effective oil pressure supply time.

Preferably, furthermore, the temperature of the pressurized oil supplied to the piston means is detected, and the stored value of the ineffective stroke amount is corrected by means of the detected pressurized oil temperature.

Preferably, moreover, a full return stroke time required for the piston means to be returned from the second position to the first position by full pressure release is previously stored. When the piston means is moved again toward the second position while being caused to travel from the second position to the first position by the full pressure release, the value of a return stroke position of the piston means is calculated on the basis of the stored value of the full return stroke time and a return stroke time of the piston means in the course of the travel. The stored value of the ineffective stroke amount is corrected by means of the calculated value of the return stroke position.

The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be more apparent from the ensuing detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of an automatic transmission with a torque converter, to which the present invention is applied;

FIG. 2 is a gear train diagram showing part of the internal arrangement of a gear transmission 30 shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a hydraulic circuit diagram showing part of the internal arrangement of a hydraulic circuit 40 shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart for a main routine illustrating hydraulic control processes executed during transmission control by means of a transmission control unit (TCU) 16 shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a timing chart illustrating the way pulse signals from an engine speed (Ne) sensor 14, used to calculate an engine speed Ne, are produced;

FIG. 6 is a shift map showing transmission control regions defined by a throttle valve opening and a transfer drive gear speed No;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart of a power on/off decision routine executed by means of the transmission control unit (TCU) 16;

FIGS. 8 to 12 are flow charts illustrating processes of hydraulic control executed in a power-on up-shift mode by means of the transmission control unit (TCU) 16;

FIGS. 13(a), 13(b) and 13(c) are timing charts showing time-based transitions of a turbine speed Nt and the transfer drive gear speed Mo and transitions of the respective duty factors of release- and connection-side solenoid valves: used in the power-on up-shift mode;

FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 are flow charts illustrating processes of hydraulic control executed in a power-on down-shift mode by means of the transmission control unit (TCU) 16;

FIGS. 17(a), 17(b) and 17(c) are timing charts showing time-based transitions of the turbine speed Nt and the transfer drive gear speed No and transitions of the respective duty factors of the release- and connection-side solenoid valves, used in the power-on down-shift mode;

FIGS. 18, 19 and 20 are flow charts illustrating processes of hydraulic control executed in a power-off up-shift mode by means of the transmission control unit (TCU) 16;

FIGS. 21(a), 21(b) and 21(c) timing charts showing time-based transitions of the turbine speed Nt and the transfer drive gear speed No and transitions of the respective duty factors of the release- and connection-side solenoid valves, used in the power-off up-shift mode;

FIGS. 22, 23 and 24 are flow charts illustrating processes of hydraulic control executed in a power-off down-shift mode by means of the transmission control unit (TCU) 16;

FIGS. 25(a), 25(b) and 25(c) timing charts showing time-based transitions of the turbine speed Nt and the transfer drive gear speed No and transitions of the respective duty factors of the release- and connection-side solenoid valves, used in the power-off down-shift mode;

FIG. 26 is a flow chart for illustrating an initial pressure supply period learning routine;

FIG. 27 is a graph showing the relationship between the stroke speed and duty factor with use of the oil temperature as a parameter;

FIG. 28 is a graph for illustrating the relationship between time-based transitions of the duty factor of a normally-closed solenoid valve and the stroke length of the piston of a clutch, at the time of initial pressure supply;

FIG. 29 is a graph showing time-based transitions of the stroke length obtained when the piston is moved at a stroke speed Ki all during a duty cycle ni, at the time of initial pressure supply;

FIG. 30 is a flow chart for illustrating an initial pressure supply period setting routine;

FIG. 31 is a graph for illustrating a method of setting the initial pressure supply period when the initial pressure is supplied again in the middle of full pressure release operation;

FIG. 32 is a graph showing the relationship between the temperature correction factor γ and the oil temperature; and

FIGS. 33(a), 33(b) and 33(c) timing charts for illustrating time-based transitions of the throttle valve opening, turbine shaft torque, and output shaft torque used in a lift-foot up-shift mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows an outline of an electronically-controlled automatic vehicular transmission with a torque converter according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, an internal combustion engine 10, which is e.g. a 6-cylindered engine, has a crankshaft 10a fitted with a flywheel 11. One end of a drive shaft 21 of a torque converter 20, for use as a driving force transmission device, is coupled mechanically to the crankshaft 10a via the flywheel 11. The torque converter 20 includes a casing 20a, a pump 23, a stator 24, and a turbine 25. The pump 23 is coupled to the other end of the drive shaft 21 through an input casing 22 of the converter 20, and the stator 24 is coupled to the casing 20a by means of a one-way clutch 24a. The turbine 25 is connected to an input shaft 30a of a gear transmission 30.

In the present embodiment, the torque converter 20 is provided with a direct-coupled clutch of a slip-type, e.g., a damper clutch 28, which is disposed between the input casing 22 and the turbine 25. Even when it is engaged or directly coupled, the damper clutch 28 allows a suitable slip between the pump 23 and the turbine 25 of the torque converter 20 which are coupled mechanically and directly to each other. The slippage of the damper clutch 28, i.e., the torque transmitted through the clutch 28, is externally controlled by means of a hydraulic damper clutch control circuit 50.

The hydraulic damper clutch control circuit 50 includes a damper clutch control valve 52 and a damper clutch control solenoid valve 54. The solenoid valve 54 is a normally-closed on-off valve, whose solenoid 54a is connected electrically to a transmission control unit (hereinafter referred to simply as TCU) 16. The damper clutch control valve 52 serves to change an oil passage for operating oil to be supplied to the damper clutch 28, and to control the oil pressure acting on the clutch 28. To attain this, the control valve 52 is composed of a spool 52a and a spring 52c. The spring 52c is contained in a left-end chamber 52b, fronted by the left end face, as illustrated, of the spool 52a, and serves to urge the spool 52a to the right of FIG. 1. The left-end chamber 52b is connected with a pilot oil passage 55 which communicates with a pilot hydraulic source (not shown). The pilot oil passage 55 is connected with a branch passage 55a which extends to the drain side. The solenoid valve 54 is located in the middle of the branch passage 55 a. The level of a pilot oil pressure supplied to the left-end chamber 52b is controlled as the solenoid valve 54 is opened or closed. The pilot oil pressure from the pilot hydraulic source is also supplied to a right-end chamber 52d which is fronted by the right end face of the spool 52a.

When the pilot oil pressure acts on the left-end chamber 52b to cause the spool 52a of the damper clutch control valve 52 to move to the right limit position, a torque converter (T/C) lubricating oil pressure, supplied to the torque converter 20, is fed through an oil passage 56, the control valve 52, and the oil passage 57 into a hydraulic chamber, which is defined between the input casing 22 and the damper clutch 28. Thereupon, the damper clutch 28 is disengaged. On the other hand, when the pilot oil pressure is not fed into the left-end chamber 52b so that the spool 52a moves to the left limit position as illustrated, a line pressure from a hydraulic pump (not shown) is fed through an oil passage 58, the control valve 52, and an oil passage 59 into an oil chamber, which is defined between the damper clutch 28 and the turbine 25. Thus, the damper clutch 28 is frictionally engaged with the input casing 22. When the duty factor (the ratio of the solenoid valve to the duty cycle time) Dc of the damper clutch solenoid valve 54 is controlled by means of the TCU 16, the spool 52a is moved to the position where the resultant force of the urging force of the spring 52c and the pilot oil pressure acting on the left-end chamber 52b balances with the urging force of the pilot oil pressure acting on the right-end chamber 52d. An oil pressure corresponding to the moved position is supplied to the damper clutch 28, whereby a transmission torque Tc of the clutch 28 is adjusted to a required value.

The gear transmission 30 includes a gear train adapted for four forward gear ratios and one backward gear ratio, for example. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing part of the arrangement of the gear transmission 30. First and second driving gears 31 and 32 are loosely fitted on the input shaft 30a for rotation, and hydraulic clutches 33 and 34, for use as frictional engagement elements for transmission control, are fixed to that portion of the input shaft 30a between the driving gears 31 and 32. The driving gears 31 and 32 are adapted to rotate in one with the input shaft 30a when they engage the clutches 33 and 34, respectively. An intermediate transmission shaft 35, which extends parallel to the input shaft 30a, is connected to a driving axle by means of a final reduction gear system (not shown). The intermediate transmission shaft 35 is fixedly fitted with first and second driven gears 36 and 37, which are in mesh with the first and second driving gears 31 and 32, respectively. When the clutch 33 engages the first driving gear 31, the rotation of the input shaft 30a is transmitted to the clutch 33, first driving gear 31, first driven gear 36, and intermediate transmission gear 35. Thus, a first transmission control mode (e.g., first gear ratio mode) is established. When the clutch 34 engages the second driving gear 32 after the clutch 33 is disengaged, the rotation of the input shaft 30a is transmitted to the clutch 34, second driving gear 32, second driven gear 37, and intermediate transmission shaft 35. Thus, a second transmission control mode (e.g., second gear ratio mode) is established.

FIG. 3 shows a hydraulic circuit 40 which supplies oil pressure to the hydraulic clutches 33 and 34. The clutches 33 and 34 comprise clutch plates 33a and 34a for respectively engaging the driving gears 31 and 32 with the input shaft 30a, pistons 33b and 34b, and hydraulic chambers 33c and 34crespectively. The pistons 33b and 34b are moved in accordance with the operating oil pressures supplied to the hydraulic chambers 33c and 34c associated therewith. When an oil pressure exceeding the force of a return spring (not shown) is supplied to the individual hydraulic chambers 33c and 34c, the pistons 33b and 34b are moved in respective directions to engage the clutch plates 33a and 34a, respectively. The hydraulic circuit 40 includes first and second hydraulic control valves 44 and 46 and solenoid valves 47 and 48. Spools 45 and 49 are slidably fitted in bores 44a and 46a of the first and second hydraulic control valves 44 and 46, respectively. Thus, right-end chambers 44g and 46g are defined which are fronted by the respective right end faces of the spools 45 and 49. Springs 44b and 46b, which are contained in the chambers 44g and 46g, respectively, urge their corresponding spools 45 and 49 to the right of FIG. 3. The first and second hydraulic control valves 44 and 46 are formed, respectively, with left-end chambers 44h and 46h which are fronted by the respective left end faces of the spools 45 and 49. These chambers 44h and 46h communicate with the drain side by way of orifices 44i and 46i, respectively.

The solenoid valve 47 is a normally-open three-way valve which has three ports 47c, 47d and 47e. The valve 47 is composed of a valve plug 47a, a spring 47b, and a solenoid 47f. The spring 47b serves to urge the valve plug 47a toward the port 47e, thereby closing the port 47e. When the solenoid 47f is excited, it causes the valve plug 47a to move toward the port 47c against the urging force of the spring 47b, thereby closing the port 47c. The solenoid valve 48, on the other hand, is a normally-closed three-way valve which has three ports 48c, 48d and 48e. The valve 48 is composed of a valve plug 48a, a spring 48b, and a solenoid 48f. The spring 48b serves to urge the valve plug 48a toward the port 48c, thereby closing the port 48c. When the solenoid 48f is excited, it causes the valve plug 48a to move toward the port 48e against the urging force of the spring 48b, thereby closing the port 48e. The respective solenoids 47f and 48f of the solenoid valves 47 and 48 are connected to the output side of the TCU 16.

An oil passage 41, which extends from the aforesaid hydraulic pump (not shown), is connected to ports 44c and 46c of the first and second hydraulic control valves 44 and 46. One end of an oil passage 41a is connected to a port 44d of the first hydraulic control valve 44, and the hydraulic chamber 33c of the hydraulic clutch 33 is connected to the other end of the oil passage 41a. One end of an oil passage 41b is connected to a port 46d of the second hydraulic control valve 46, and the hydraulic camber 34c of the hydraulic clutch 34 is connected to the other end of the oil passage 41b. An oil passage 42, which extends from the aforesaid pilot hydraulic source (not shown), is connected to ports 44e and 46e, communicating with the left-end chambers 44h and 46h of the first and second hydraulic control valves 44 and 46, respectively, and also to the ports 47c and 48c of the solenoid valves 47 and 48, respectively. The ports 47d and 48d of the solenoid valves 47 and 48 are connected, respectively, to ports 44f and 46f which communicate with the right-end chambers 44g and 46g of the first and second hydraulic control valves 44 and 46 by means of pilot oil passages 42a and 42b, respectively. The ports 47e and 48e of the solenoid valves 47 and 48 communicate with the drain side.

The oil passage 41 is used to supply the first and second hydraulic control valves 44 and 46 with an operating oil pressure or line pressure, which is adjusted to a predetermined level by means of a pressure-regulating valve (not shown) or the like. The pilot oil passage 42 is used to supply the first and second hydraulic control valves 44 and 46 and the solenoid valves 47 and 48 with a pilot oil pressure, which is adjusted to a predetermined level by means of another pressure-regulating valve (not shown) or the like.

When the spool 45 of the first hydraulic control valve 44 moves to the left of FIG. 3, a land 45a of the spool 45, having so far been closing the port 44c, allows the port 44c to open, so that the operating oil pressure is fed to the clutch 33 through the oil passage 41, the ports 44c and 44d, and the oil passage 41a. When the spool 45 moves to the hydraulic chamber 33c of the right, the port 44c is closed by the land 45a, while the port 44d communicates with a drain port 44j, so that the oil pressure inside the clutch 33 is discharged to the drain side. When the spool 49 of the second hydraulic control valve 40 moves to the left of FIG. 3, a land 49a of the spool 49, having so far been closing the port 46c, allows the port 46c to open, so that the operating oil pressure is fed to the hydraulic chamber 34c of the clutch 34 through the oil passage 41, the ports 46c and 46d, and the oil passage 41b. When the spool 49 moves to the right, the port 46c is closed by the land 49a, while the port 46d communicates with a drain port 46j, so that the oil pressure inside the clutch 34 is discharged to the drain side.

Returning to FIG. 1, a ring gear 11a is fitted on the outer periphery of the flywheel 11, and is in mesh with a pinion 12a of a starter 12. The ring gear 11a has a predetermined number of teeth (e.g., 110 teeth), and an electromagnetic pickup (hereinafter referred to as Ne sensor) 14 is opposed to the ring gear 11a. The Ne sensor 14, which is used to detect the rotational speed Ne of the engine 10, as described in detail later, is connected electrically to the input side of the TCU 16.

A turbine speed sensor (Nt sensor) 15, a transfer drive gear speed sensor (No sensor) 17, a throttle valve opening sensor (θt sensor) 18, an oil temperature sensor 19, etc. are also connected to the input side of the TCU 16. The Nt sensor 15 and the No sensor 17 are used to detect the respective speeds Nt and No of the turbine 25 of the torque converter 20 and a transfer drive gear (not shown). The θt sensor 18 serves to detect the opening θt of throttle valve (not shown) which is disposed in the middle of suction passage (not shown) of the engine 10. The oil temperature sensor 19 is used to detect the temperature Toil of the operating oil discharged from a hydraulic pump (not shown). Detection signals from these sensors are supplied to the TCU 16.

The operation of the gear transmission with the aforementioned construction will now be described.

The TCU 16 contains therein memories, such as a ROM, RAM, etc., central processing unit, I/0 interface, counter, and the like. The TCU 16 performs hydraulic control for the transmission control in the following manner, in accordance with a program stored in the memories.

The TCU 16 repeatedly executes a main program routine shown in FIG. 4 with a predetermined cycle, e.g., 35-Hz cycle. In this main program routine, various initial values, as mentioned later, are first read or set in step S10. Then, the TCU 16 reads the detection signals from the various sensors, including the Ne sensor 14, Nt sensor 15, No sensor 17, θt sensor 18, and oil temperature sensor 19, and stores the signals therein (step S11). Thereafter, the TCU 16 calculates and stores necessary parameter values for the transmission control, based on the detection signals, in the following manner.

First, the TCU 16 calculates the engine speed Ne and its changing rate ωe on the basis of the detection signal from the Ne sensor 14 (step S12). The Ne sensor 14 delivers one pulse signal to the TCU 16 every time it detects four of the teeth of the ring gear 11a during one revolution of the gear 11a. Then, TCU 16 measures the period of time tp (sec) required for the detection of the last 9 pulses out of those pulse signals which are supplied during one duty cycle, i.e., in 28.6 msec (35 Hz), as shown in FIG. 5. Thereafter, the TCU 16 calculates the engine speed Ne (rpm) in accordance with the following equation (1), and stores in the memories the obtained value as an engine speed (Ne)_(n) for the present duty cycle.

    Ne=(9×4)÷110÷tp×60 =216÷(11×tp).(1)

Based on an engine speed (Ne)_(n-1) stored in the last duty cycle and the engine speed (Ne_(n) stored in the present duty cycle, the engine speed changing rate ωe (rad/sec²) is calculated as follows and then stored:

    ωe=ΔNe×2π÷60÷T =(π/30T)×ΔNe,(2)

where there are relations ΔNe=(Ne)_(n) -(Ne)_(n-1) and T=(T1+T2)/2, and T1 and T2 are periods of time (sec) between the respective count end points of the periods tp in the last and present duty cycles and between the respective count start points thereof, respectively.

Calculation of Turbine Shaft Torque Tt

Then, the TCU 16 proceeds to step S13, and calculates the net torque Te of the engine and the torque (hereinafter referred to as turbine shaft torque) Tt (kg .m) of the output shaft of the torque converter.

The relationships of the friction torque Tb of the clutch on the release or connection side, obtained during the transmission control, to the turbine shaft torque Tt and the turbine speed changing rate ωt during the transmission control may be given as follows:

    Tb=a×Tt+b×ωt,                            (A1)

where a and b are constants which depend on the shift pattern or shift schedule (type of transmission control), such as shift-up from first gear ratio to second or shift-down from fourth gear ratio mode to third, the moments of inertia of various rotating parts, etc. As seen from equation (A1), the clutch friction torque Tb, that is, the operating oil pressure for the clutches 33 and 34, can be set without receiving the influences of lowering of the engine performance, change of engine water temperature, etc., if it is determined on the basis of the turbine shaft torque Tt and the turbine speed changing rate ωt. Empirical formulas and data obtained in consideration of these circumstances may be readily applied to engines of different types.

If the turbine speed changing rate ωt is expected to be subjected to feedback control for a target value, despite the change of the turbine shaft torque Tt, what is required is not to correct the deviation of the changing rate ωt from the target value afterward, but to increase or decrease the friction torque Tb, i.e., the operating oil pressure of the clutches 33 and 34, by a margin corresponding to the variation of the turbine shaft torque Tt. By doing this, stable transmission control can be effected with high follow-up performance, without requiring any substantial correction gain for feedback control.

If the time-based change of the turbine shaft torque Tt at the start of the generation of the friction torque of the connection-side clutch can be estimated at the start of the transmission control, the clutch friction torque can be changed while controlling the turbine speed changing rate ωt around the target value, in accordance with equation (A1). Therefore, such a change of the torque Tt is empirically obtained in advance. Based on empirical data thus obtained, the change of the turbine shaft torque Tt, at the start of the actual generation of the torque of the connection-side clutch, is estimated. By applying the estimated value to equation (A1), the oil pressure supplied to the clutch can be adjusted to change the friction torque Tb so that the target value of the turbine speed changing rate ωt can be obtained according to equation (A1). By doing this, the turbine speed changing rate ωt can be accurately controlled around the target value from the start of the generation of the friction torque of the connection-side clutch. Thus, the feeling of operation for the transmission control can be improved.

Thereupon, the turbine shaft torque Tt is calculated according to equation (4), using the net engine torque Te calculated according to equation (3), and these calculated values are stored in the memories: ##EQU1## Here Te is a net torque which is obtained by subtracting the friction loss, oil pump driving torque, etc. from an average torque produced by the explosion of the engine 10, and C is a torque capacity coefficient, which is read from a torque converter characteristic table, previously stored in the memories, in accordance with the ratio e (= Nt/Ne) of the turbine speed Nt to the engine speed Ne. After the speed ratio e is first calculated according to the turbine speed Nt, detected by means of the Nt sensor 14, and the engine speed Ne detected in the aforesaid manner, the torque capacity coefficient C is read from the memories in accordance with the calculated speed ratio e. I_(E) is the moment of inertia of the engine 10, which is a fixed value set for each engine type, and t is a torque ratio, which is also read from the aforesaid torque converter characteristic table in accordance with the speed ratio e (= Nt/Ne).

Tc is the transmission torque of the damper clutch 28, which, in the direct-coupled clutch of this slip type, is given by

    Tc=Pc×A×r×μ=a1×Dc-b1,           (5)

where pc, A, r, and μ are the supplied oil pressure, piston pressure receiving area, friction area, and coefficient of friction, respectively, of the damper clutch 38. Equation (5) can be obtained because the supplied oil pressure Pc of the damper clutch 28 is proportional to the duty factor Dc of the damper clutch solenoid valve 54. In equation (5), a1 and b1 are constants which are set according to the shift mode. The value Tc calculated by equation (5) is effective only if it ia positive. If it is negative, Tc is regarded as Tc=0.

The instantaneous values of the net engine torque Te and the turbine shaft torque Tt, calculated and stored in this manner, can be calculated on the basis of the engine speed Ne detected by the Ne sensor 14, the turbine speed Nt detected by the Nt sensor 15, and the duty factor Dc of the damper clutch solenoid valve 54. As seen from equations (3) and (4), moreover, the engine output torque Te is calculated including the term (I_(E) ×ωe), so that it hardly receives the influence of the turbine speed changing rate ωt or friction torque Tb. Therefore, if the friction torque Tb is adjusted, that is, if the supplied pressure of the clutch is adjusted, in order to set the changing rate ωt to the target value, the turbine shaft torque Tt never changes. Thus, these two torques cannot interfere with each other, and therefore, never entail any uncontrollable situations. In the middle of the transmission control, in particular, if the friction torque Tb is adjusted so as to correct variation of the turbine shaft torque Tt, which is caused by disturbance attributable to acceleration work or the like, the aforesaid interference cannot be entailed. Thus, the transmission control can be performed with satisfactory responsiveness.

Then, in step S14, the TCU 16 determines the transmission gear ratio mode to be established in the gear transmission 30, on the basis of the opening θt of the throttle valve and the transfer drive gear speed No. FIG. 6 shows transmission control regions for the first transmission control mode (hereinafter referred as first gear ratio mode) and the second transmission control mode (hereinafter referred to as second gear ratio mode) one grade higher than the first mode. In FIG. 6, the full line represents a boundary line between the regions for the first and second gear ratio modes, provided for the shift-up operation from the first gear ratio mode to the second. The broken line represents a boundary line between the first and second gear ratio mode regions provided for the shift-down operation from the second gear ratio mode to the first. The TCU 16 determines the transmission gear ratio mode to be established according to the shift map of FIG. 6, and stores data representing the predetermined mode in the memories in advance.

Power On/Off Discrimination

Then, the TCU 16 proceeds to step S15, and executes a power on/off discrimination routine. FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing this routine. First, a discrimination value Tto is set in step S151. The value Tto is calculated as follows:

    Tto=a2×ωto=2π×a2×Ni,            (6)

where a2 and Ni are predetermined values previously set in accordance with the shift schedule. The values a2 and Ni are negative in an up shift mode and positive in a down-shift mode. Then, the TCU 16 determines whether the turbine shaft torque Tt, calculated in step S13, is greater than the discrimination value Tto (step S152). If the conclusion is YES, power-on shift is identified (step S153). If NO, power-off shift is identified (step S154). The TCU 16 stores (step 5155) in the memories the result of power on/off discrimination, and then returns to the main routine shown in FIG. 4.

The above method of power on/off discrimination is based on the following principle. Generally, equation (6) is obtained if the turbine shaft torque T, the turbine speed changing rate ωt for transmission control, and the clutch friction torque Tb are replaced by 0, ωto, and Tto, respectively, in equation (A1) which represents the relationships of the value Tb to the values Tt and ωt. When no other elements except the clutches are operating, the power on/off discrimination is effected depending on whether or not the turbine shaft torque Tt produced is great enough to ensure the target value ωto. Thus, the following drawbacks of the conventional discrimination method, in which the power on/off discrimination depends simply on the polarity of the engine output, can be eliminated.

More specifically, the transmission control system using different logics for power-on and -off states is subject to the following drawbacks.

(1) If the engine output is somewhat negative in the up shift mode, the power-off state will be detected wrongly. As a result, the connection-side friction element (clutch) is left disengaged, so that the transmission control cannot be completed.

(2) If the engine output is somewhat positive in the down-shift mode, on the other hand, the power-on state will be detected wrongly. Accordingly, automatic increase of the rotating speed of the input shaft of the transmission is awaited, so that the connection-side friction element (clutch) fails to be connected. Thus, the transmission control cannot be completed.

A lift-foot up-shift operation or a down-shift operation with a driver's foot on an accelerator pedal requires as fast power on/off discrimination as possible. The turbine shaft torque Tt used in the aforesaid power on/off discrimination is, so to speak, an imaginary turbine shaft torque which is obtained by multiplying the net engine torque Te, obtained from equation (3), by the torque ratio t. Thus, the power on/off discrimination can be achieved more quickly than the discrimination using an actual turbine shaft torque Tt' (32 t×CNe² +Tc) which is obtained by omitting the term (I_(E) ×ωe) from equation (4). Thus, during the lift-foot up- shift operation, for example, the shock of speed reduction can be avoided, in a low gear ratio mode, if the reduction of the engine output is sensed as soon as possible so that the release-side element (clutch) is disengaged without delay. Referring to FIG. 33, when the accelerator pedal is released so that the up shift mode is established (FIG. 33(a)), the actual turbine shaft torque Tt' and the imaginary turbine shaft torque Tt change along the broken and full lines of FIG. 33(b), respectively. Accordingly, the power-off state can be detected at time t1 of FIG. 33(b) when the imaginary turbine shaft torque Tt is used, and at time t2 when the actual turbine shaft torque Tt' is used. Thus, with use of the imaginary torque Tt, the power-off discrimination can be performed faster by Δt (=t2-t1) than when the actual torque Tt' is used. Correspondingly, the release-side element can be disengaged more quickly, so that the shock of speed reduction can be avoided without a drop (see hatched region of FIG. 33(c)) of the output shaft torque.

Returning to FIG. 4, the TCU 16 then determines whether the transmission control region to be established, which is determined in step S14, is different from the result obtained in the preceding duty cycle. If there is no difference, the program returns to step S11, and step S11 and the subsequent steps are repeated again. If the transmission control region is changed, on the other hand, a shift signal corresponding to the shift schedule discriminated in steps S14 and S15 is outputted (step S17), whereupon the program returns to step S11.

Hydraulic Control for Power-On Up-Shift

FIGS. 8 to 12 are flow charts showing processes of hydraulic transmission control for a power-on up-shift mode. Referring to FIG. 13, the processes of hydraulic control will be described in connection with the case of shift-up operation from the first gear ratio mode to the second, by way of example.

In response to a shift signal for a power-on up-shift from the first gear ratio mode to the second, the TCU 16 first calculates the respective initial duty factors DU₁ and DU₂ of the solenoid valves 47 and 48 according to the following equations (8) and (9) (step S20).

    D.sub.U1 =a4×|Tt|+c4,              (8)

    D.sub.U2 =a5×|Tt|+c5,              (9)

where Tt is the turbine shaft torque value calculated and stored in step S13 of FIG. 4 for each duty cycle, and a4, c4, a5, and c5 are constants applied to the case of the shift-up operation from the first gear ratio mode to the second.

Then, the TCU 16 adjusts the duty factor D_(LR) of the normally-open solenoid valve 47 to the initial duty factor D_(U1) set in step S2O, and delivers an output signal such that the solenoid valve 47 is operated with the duty factor D_(LR). Thereupon, the first-speed clutch 33, as a release-side frictional engagement element, starts to be supplied with an initial oil pressure corresponding to the initial duty factor D_(U1), so that the piston 33b of the clutch 33 is retreated toward a position just before the clutch plate 33a slips (S21; time t1 of FIG. 13(b)). Meanwhile, the TCU 16 sets the duty factor D24 of the normally-closed solenoid valve 48 to 100%, and delivers an output signal such that the solenoid valve 48 is operated with the duty factor D24. Thereupon, the piston 34b of the second-speed clutch 34, as a connection-side frictional engagement element, is advanced to a position just before the clutch plate 34a starts to engage (at time t1 of FIG. 1(c)), and an initial pressure supply period T_(S1) is set in a timer (step S22). This timer may be a hard timer contained in the TCU 16, or a so-called soft timer which times the supply period T_(S1) as the program is executed. The initial pressure supply period T_(S1) takes a predetermined value such that the piston 34b of the connection-side clutch 34 can be advanced to the predetermined position just short of the engagement start position if the hydraulic chamber 34c of the clutch 34 is supplied with the operating oil pressure with 100% duty factor all during the period T_(S1).

The TCU 16 waits until a predetermined period t_(D), i.e., one duty cycle (28.6 msec in this embodiment), terminates (step S23), and then adds a predetermined duty factor ΔD1 to the duty factor D_(LR) set in the preceding duty cycle, thus providing a new duty factor D_(LD). Then, the TCU 18 delivers an output signal such that the solenoid valve 47 is operated with the duty cycle D_(LR) (step S24). The added predetermined duty factor ΔD1 is set to a value such that the duty factor D_(LR) of the solenoid valve 47 increases at a predetermined rate (e.g., 4% per second) (see the transition of the duty factor D_(LR) from time t1 to t2 in FIG. 13(b)). The TCU 16 determines whether the initial pressure supply period T_(S1), set in step S22, is over (step S25). If the period T_(S1) is not over, the program returns to step S23, and steps S23, S24, and S25 are repeated.

If the conclusion of step S25 is YES, that is, when the clutch plate 34a of the second speed clutch 34 advances to the predetermined position just short of the engagement position after the termination of the initial pressure supply period T_(S1), the program proceeds to step S27 of FIG. 9. In step S27, the TCU 16 adjusts the duty factor D24 of the solenoid value 48 to a predetermined value D24min, and then delivers a driving signal such that the valve 48 is operated with the duty factor D24 (at time t2 of FIG. 13(c)). The predetermined value D24min is a duty factor value such that the operating oil pressure supplied to the hydraulic chamber 34c of the second-speed clutch 34 via the second hydraulic control valve 46 is kept at a hold pressure without increasing or decreasing. When the predetermined period t_(D) for one duty cycle terminates (step S28), the TCU 16 adds the predetermined duty factor ΔD1 to the duty factor D_(LR) of the solenoid valve 47 set in the preceding duty cycle, thereby providing a new duty factor D_(LR), and adds a predetermined duty factor ΔD2 to the duty factor D24 of the solenoid valve 47, thereby providing a new duty cycle D24. Then, the TCU 16 delivers an output signal such that the solenoid valves 47 and 48 are operated with the new duty factors D_(LR) and D24, respectively (step S30). The added predetermined duty factor ΔD2 is set to a value such that the duty factor D24 of the solenoid valve 48 increases at a predetermined rate (e.g., 15% per second) (see the transition of the duty factor D24 from time t2 to t3 in FIG. 13(c)).

Subsequently, the program proceeds to step S32, whereupon the TCU 16 calculates an actual slipping rate N_(SR) according to equation (10), and compares the calculated value with a predetermined discrimination value ΔN_(SR1) (e.g., 10 rpm). There is a relation:

    N.sub.SR =Nt-Ntc1,                                         (10)

where Ntc1 is a calculated turbine speed for the first gear ratio mode, which is obtained by multiplying the transfer drive gear speed No, detected by means of the No sensor 17, by a predetermined number.

If the actual slipping rate N_(SR) is smaller than the predetermined discrimination value ΔN_(SR1) (N_(SR) < ΔN_(SR1)), the program returns to step S28, whereupon the TCU 16 repeats the operations of steps S28 to S32. Thus, the clutch plate 33a of the first-speed clutch 33 on the release side is gradually disengaged, while the clutch plate 34a of the second-speed clutch 34 on the connection side is yet to start engagement, although it is gradually moved from the predetermined position just short of the engagement start position to the engagement side. In such a situation, the turbine speed Nt gradually increases (in the latter half of a control section A of FIG. 13(a)) as the first-clutch 33 is disengaged. Thus, in the control section A (between time t1 for shift signal output and time t3 for the detection of the actual slipping rate N_(SR) attaining the predetermined discrimination value ΔN_(SR1) or more), the first-speed clutch 33 is gradually disengaged before the friction torque of the second-speed clutch 34 is produced. By doing this, the actual slipping rate N_(SR) is increased toward a predetermined target slipping rate N_(SO) mentioned later. When it is detected that the actual slipping rate N_(SR) is not less than the predetermined discrimination value ΔN_(SR1) (N_(SR) ≧ ΔN_(SR1)), the program proceeds to step S34 shown in FIG. 10.

In step S34, the TCU 16 adjusts the duty factor D24 of the connection-side solenoid valve 48 to the initial duty factor D_(U2) calculated in step S2O, and delivers an output signal such that the solenoid valve 48 is operated with the duty factor D24. At the same time, the TCU 15 subtracts a predetermined duty factor ΔD4 (e.g., 2 to 6%) from the duty factor D_(LR) of the release-side solenoid valve 47 set in the preceding duty cycle, thereby providing a new duty factor D_(LR). Using the duty factor D_(LR) as an initial value, hydraulic control is started such that the actual slipping rate N_(SR) is feedback-controlled for the predetermined target slipping rate N_(SO) (step S35). Thus, the TCU 16 waits until one duty cycle ends in step S36, then sets the duty factor D_(LR) of the release-side solenoid valve 47 for each duty cycle in the following manner, and delivers a driving signal such that the solenoid valve 47 is operated with the set duty factor D_(LR) (step S38). There is a relation:

    (D.sub.LR).sub.n =(Di).sub.n +K.sub.P1 ×e.sub.n +K.sub.D1 (e.sub.n -e.sub.n-1),                                              (11)

where e_(n) is the difference (e_(n) =N_(SO) -N_(SR)) between the actual slipping rate N_(SR) and the target slipping rate N_(SO) for the present duty cycle, and e_(n-1) is the difference between the actual slipping frequency N_(SR) and the target slipping frequency N_(SO) for the preceding duty cycle. K_(P1) and K_(D1) are a proportional gain and a differential gain, respectively, which are set to their respective predetermined values. (Di)_(n) is an integral term, which is calculated as follows:

    (Di).sub.n =(Di).sub.n-1 +K.sub.I1 ×e.sub.n +D.sub.H1,(11a)

where (Di)_(n-1) is an integral term set in the preceding duty cycle, and K_(I1) is a integral gain set to a predetermined value.

D_(H1) is a correction of the turbine shaft torque set in accordance with a variation ΔTt of the turbine shaft torque caused when the engine torque Te is changed by acceleration work during the transmission control operation. The variation ΔTt is first calculated, and the correction D_(H1) responsive to the variation ΔTt is then calculated as follows:

    D.sub.H1 =a6×ΔTt,                              (12)

where ΔTt, in this power-on region, is given by

    ΔTt=(Tt).sub.n -(Tt).sub.n-1.                        (13)

In a power-off region mentioned later, ΔTt is

    ΔTt=-(Tt).sub.n +(Tt).sub.n-1,                       (14)

where (Tt)_(n) and (Tt)_(n-1) are turbine shaft torques for the present and preceding duty cycles, respectively, which are set in step S13 of FIG. 4. In equation (12), a6 is a constant previously set in accordance with the shift schedule. As seen from equations (11a) and (12), the integral term (Di)_(n) includes the duty factor correction D_(H1) which can be obtained on the basis of the variation ΔTt of the turbine shaft torque. Accordingly, the duty factor D_(LR) can be corrected without delay behind the change of the turbine shaft torque. Thus, the aforesaid integral, proportional, and differential gains for the feedback control need not be set to great values, so that stable control can be effected with satisfactory follow-up performance.

Subsequently, the TCU 16 determines whether the actual slipping frequency N_(SR) is not more than a negative predetermined slipping frequency ΔN_(S1) (e.g., -3 to -7 rpm) (step S40). If the conclusion of step S40 is NO, the program returns to step S36, whereupon the TCU 16 repeatedly executes steps S36 to S40 until the actual rate N_(SR) becomes not more than the predetermined rate ΔN_(S1). Thereupon, the duty factor D_(LR) of the release-side solenoid valve 47 is feedback-controlled so that the difference between the actual slipping rate N_(SR) and the target slipping frequency N_(SO) is reduced, or that the frequencies N_(SR) and N_(SO) are equal. On the other hand, the duty factor D24 of the connection-side solenoid valve 48 is kept constant at the level of the initial duty factor D_(U2). As a result, an operating oil pressure corresponding to the initial duty factor D_(U2) of the solenoid valve 48 is supplied to the second-speed clutch 34 via the second hydraulic control valve 46, so that the piston 34b of the clutch 34 gradually moves to the engagement side. Thus, the clutch plate 34a of the clutch 34 starts to engage, so that the turbine speed Nt is reduced. Since the engine 10 is in the power-on state, however, the turbine speed Nt can be prevented from being reduced by setting the duty factor D_(LR) of the release-side solenoid valve 47 to a greater value. However, when the engagement of the engagement-side clutch 34 advances so that the engaging force of the clutch 34 exceeds the relatively great value of the duty factor D_(LR) of the release-side solenoid valve 47, the turbine speed Nt starts to decrease. At time t4 of FIG. 13(a), the actual slipping rate N_(SR) becomes not more than the negative predetermined slipping rate ΔN_(S1). When this is detected (YES in step S40), the program advances to step S42 shown in FIG. 11. Thus, hydraulic control in a control section B (between times t3 and t4) shown in FIG. 13 is completed.

If the actual slipping rate N_(SR) is found to be not more than the negative predetermined slipping rate ΔN_(S1) in the control section B, step S42 of FIG. 11 is executed. If it is detected twice in two consecutive duty cycles, for example, in the control section A that the actual slipping rate N_(SR) is reduced to the level of the negative predetermined slipping rate frequency ΔN_(S1) or less by any disturbance, the hydraulic control in the control section B may be omitted. In this case, the program proceeds directly to step S42 of FIG. 11, whereupon hydraulic control in a control section C is started.

In hydraulic control operations in the control section C and control sections D and E subsequent thereto, the duty factor D24 of the connection-side solenoid valve 48 is feedback-controlled so that the difference between the turbine speed changing rate ωt and the predetermined target turbine speed changing rate ωto is minimized. Thus, the turbine speed Nt is gradually decreased toward a calculated turbine speed Ntc2 for the second gear ratio mode. The TCU 16 first adjusts the duty factor D_(LR) of the release-side solenoid valve 47 to a predetermined duty factor D_(LR) max, and delivers a driving signal such that the solenoid valve 47 is operated with the adjusted duty factor D_(LR) (step S42). The predetermined duty factor D_(LR) max is set to a value such that the operating oil pressure supplied through the first hydraulic control valve 44 to the first-speed clutch 33 can be kept at a fixed pressure (hold pressure), and that the piston of the clutch 33 can be held in a position corresponding to time t4 of FIG. 13(b). Until the transmission control is practically completed thereafter (between times t4 and t8 of FIG. 13(b)), the duty factor D_(LR) of the release-side solenoid valve 47 is kept at the level of the predetermined duty factor D_(LR) max which provides the hold pressure for the first-speed clutch 33.

Then, after the predetermined period t_(D) terminates (step S43), the program advances to step S44. In step S44, the target turbine speed changing rate ωto is set as follows:

    ωto=a7×No+b7,                                  (15)

where a7 and b7 are set to predetermined values (negative values) corresponding to the control sections C, D and E. In the control section C immediately after the start of the feedback control, the values a7 and b7 are adjusted so that the target turbine speed changing rate ωto is set to a value such that the turbine speed Nt decreases gradually. In the control section D next to the control section C, the changing rate ωto is adjusted so that its absolute value is greater than in the section C. Thus, in the section D, the turbine speed Nt decreases more sharply. In the control section E during which the engagement of the second-speed clutch 34 finishes, the absolute value of the changing rate is reduced again to prevent the shook of the transmission control (see the time-based transition of the turbine speed Nt of FIG. 13(a)).

Then, the TCU 16 calculates and sets the duty factor D24 of the connection-side solenoid valve 48 according to the following equation (16), using the duty factor obtained, as an initial value, at time t4 when it is detected that the actual slipping rate N_(SR) is reduced to the level of the negative predetermined slipping rate ΔN_(S1) or less. Then, the TCU 16 delivers a driving signal such that the solenoid valve 48 is operated with the set duty factor D24 (step S46). There is a relation:

    (D24).sub.n =(Di).sub.n +K.sub.P2 ×E.sub.n +K.sub.D2 (E.sub.n -E.sub.n-1),                                              (16)

where E_(n) is the difference (E_(n) =ωto-ωt) between the actual turbine speed changing rate ωt and the target turbine speed changing rate ωto for the present duty cycle set in step S44. Based on actual turbine speeds (Nt)_(n) and (Nt)_(n-1) for the present and preceding duty cycles, the actual changing rate ωt is obtained as follows:

    (ωt).sub.n =(Nt).sub.n -(Nt).sub.n-1.                (17)

E_(n-1) is the difference between the actual turbine speed changing rate ωt and the target turbine speed changing rate ωto for the preceding duty cycle. K_(P2) and K_(D2) are a proportional gain and a differential gain, respectively, which are set to their respective predetermined values. (Di)_(n) is an integral term, which is calculated as follows:

    (Di).sub.n =(Di).sub.n-1 +K.sub.I2 ×E.sub.n +D.sub.H1 +D.sub.H2,(18)

where (Di)_(n-1) is an integral term set in the preceding duty cycle, and K_(I2) is an integral gain set to a predetermined value.

D_(H1) is a correction of the turbine shaft torque set in accordance with a variation ΔTt of the turbine shaft torque caused when the engine torque Te is changed by acceleration work during the transmission control operation. The correction D_(H1) is obtained according to the same equations as equations (12) to (14).

D_(H2) is a corrected duty factor for the change of the target turbine speed changing rate, which is used only when the control section changes from C to D or from D to E. This value is obtained as follows:

    D.sub.H2 =α×Δωto,                  (19)

    Δωto=(ωto).sub.n -(ωto).sub.n-1,   (20)

where (ωto)_(n) is a target turbine speed changing rate to be used for the present duty cycle and the subsequent duty cycles, and (ωto)_(n-1) is a target turbine speed changing rate having so far been used for the preceding duty cycles. In equation (19), moreover, α is a constant set according to the shift schedule.

Like the integral term of the duty factor D_(LR) of the release-side solenoid valve 47 calculated in the control section B, the integral term (Di)_(n) of the duty factor D24 calculated for each duty cycle is corrected on the basis of the duty factor correction D_(H1), i.e., the variation ΔTt of the turbine shaft torque. When the control section is changed, the integral term (Di)_(n) is corrected in accordance with the variation Δωto of the target turbine speed changing rate. Accordingly, the duty factor D24 can be corrected without delay due to the changes of the turbine shaft torque and the target turbine speed changing rate. Thus, the aforesaid integral, proportional, and differential gains for the feedback control need not be set to great values, so that hunting-free stable control can be effected with satisfactory follow-up performance.

After calculating the duty factor D24 and delivering the driving signal in step S46, the TCU 16 proceeds to step S48, and determines whether the turbine speed Nt has attained a predetermined speed Ntc20 which is higher than the calculated turbine speed Ntc2 for the second gear ratio mode by ΔNtc2 (e.g., 80 to 120 rpm). If the conclusion of step S46 is NO, the program returns to step S43, and the operations of steps S43 to S48 are repeated.

At the time immediately after the control section C is entered, the engagement of the connection-side clutch 34 is just started. Therefore, the shock of the transmission control at the start of the engagement can be avoided by reducing the turbine speed Nt at the aforesaid target turbine speed changing rate ωto. When the turbine speed Nt is reduced to the level of the product of the transfer drive gear speed No and a predetermined coefficient (e.g., 2.8), the TCU 16 concludes that the control section C is left, that is, the control section D is entered, and changes the absolute value of the target changing rate ωto in step S44 into a greater value (at time t5 of FIG. 13(a)).

If the absolute value of the target turbine speed changing rate ωto is changed into the greater value, the duty factor D24 of the connection-side solenoid valve 48 is adjusted (during the period between times t5 and t6 of FIG. 13(c)) to a value greater than the value set in the control section C. Thus, the turbine speed Nt is quickly lowered substantially at the target changing rate ωto. The greater the absolute value of the target value ωto, the higher the transmission-control responsiveness will be.

Subsequently, when the turbine speed Nt is further reduced to the level of the product of the transfer drive gear speed No and another predetermined coefficient (e.g., 2.2), that is, when the piston of the second-speed clutch 34 is gradually moved close to the engagement end position, the TCU 16 concludes that the control section D is completed, that is, the control section E is entered, and changes the absolute value of the target turbine speed changing rate ωto in step S44 into a value smaller than the value set in the control section D (at time t6 of FIG. 13(a)). If the absolute value of the target turbine speed changing rate ωto is changed into the smaller value, the duty factor D24 of the connection-side solenoid valve 48 is adjusted (during the period between times t6 and t7 of FIG. 13(c)) to a value smaller than the value set in the control section D. Thus, the turbine speed Nt is slowly lowered substantially at the target changing rate ωto. As a result, the release-side clutch 33 is disengaged completely, so that the transmission-control shock can be avoided near the time when the engagement of the connection-side clutch 34 is completed.

If the conclusion of step S48 is YES, that is, when the turbine speed Nt attains the level of the predetermined speed Ntc20 just higher than the calculated turbine speed Nto2 for the second gear ratio mode (at time t7 of FIG. 13(c)), the TCU 16 sets a predetermined period TSF (e.g., 0.5 sec) in the aforesaid timer (step S50), and waits until the period T_(SF) terminates (step S51). By doing this, the TCU 16 can securely complete the engagement of the connection-side clutch 34.

When the predetermined period T_(SF) terminates so that the conclusion of step S51 is YES, the TCU 16 sets both the duty factors D_(LR) and D24 of the release- and connection-side solenoid valves 47 and 48 to 100%, and delivers a driving signal such that the solenoid valves 47 and 48 are operated with the duty factors D_(LR) and D24 (at time t8 of FIGS. 13(b) and 13(c)). Thus, the hydraulic transmission control for the power-on upshift from the first gear ratio mode to the second is completed.

Hydraulic Control for Power-On Down-Shift

FIGS. 14 to 16 are flow charts showing processes of hydraulic transmission control for a power-on down-shift mode. Referring to FIG. 17, the processes of hydraulic control will be described in connection with the case of shift-down operation from the second gear ratio mode to the first, by way of example.

In response to a shift signal for a power-on down-shift from the second gear ratio mode to the first, the TCU 16 first calculates the respective initial duty factors D_(d1) and D_(d2) of the solenoid valves 47 and 48 according to the following equations (21) and (22) which resemble equations (8) and (9), respectively (step S60).

    D.sub.d1 =a8×|Tt|+c8,              (21)

    D.sub.d2 =a9×|Tt|+c9,              (22)

where a8, c8, a9, and c9 are constants applied to the case of the shift-down operation from the second gear ratio mode to the first.

Then, the TCU 16 adjusts the duty factor D24 of the release-side solenoid valve 48 to the initial duty factor D_(d1) set in step S60, and delivers an output signal such that the solenoid valve 48 is operated with the duty factor D24. Thereupon, the hydraulic chamber 34c of the second-speed clutch 34, for use as the release-side frictional engagement element, starts to be supplied with an initial oil pressure corresponding to the initial duty factor D_(d1), so that the piston 34b of the clutch 34 is retreated toward a position just before the clutch plate 34a slips (step S62; time t10 of FIG. 17(b)). Meanwhile, the TCU 16 sets the duty factor D_(LR) of the connection-side solenoid valve 47 to 0%, and delivers an output signal such that the solenoid valve 47 is operated with the duty factor D_(LR). Thus, the normally-open solenoid valve 47 is fully opened. Thereupon, the piston 33b of the first-speed clutch 33, for use as the connection-side frictional engagement element, is moved toward a position just before the clutch plate 33a starts to engage (at time t10 of FIG. 17(c)), and an initial pressure supply period T_(S2) is set in the timer (step S64). The initial pressure supply period T_(S2) is set in accordance with a learning routine for initial pressure supply period, mentioned later. If the normally-open solenoid valve 47 is driven to supply the connection-side clutch 33 with the operating oil pressure with 0-% duty factor all during the period T_(S2), the piston 33b of the clutch 33 can be advanced to the predetermined position just short of the engagement start position.

The TCU 16 determines whether the initial pressure supply period T_(S2), set in step S64, is over (step S66). If the period T_(S2) is not over yet, the TCU 16 waits until the period T_(S2) terminates, repeatedly executing the operation of step S66.

If the conclusion of step S66 is YES, that is, when the first-speed clutch 33 advances to the predetermined position just short of the engagement position after the termination of the initial pressure supply period T_(S2), the program proceeds to step S68 of FIG. 15. In step S68, the TCU 16 adjusts the duty factor D_(LR) of the connection-side solenoid value 47 to the predetermined value D_(LR) max for the hold pressure, and then delivers a driving signal such that the valve 47 is operated with the duty factor D_(LR) (at time t11 of FIG. 17(c)). The duty factor D_(LR) of the connection-side solenoid valve 47 is kept at the level of the predetermined duty factor D_(LR) max for the hold pressure on the first-speed clutch 33 until the turbine speed Nt attains, thereafter, the calculated turbine speed Ntc1 for the first gear ratio mode (during the period between times t11 and t15 of FIG. 17(a)).

Meanwhile, the piston 34b of the release-side clutch 34 gradually moves to the side for disengagement, thereby reducing the friction torque of the clutch S4, so that the turbine speed Nt starts to increase gradually. Then, the TCU 16 determines whether the turbine speed Nt is increased above a first predetermined discrimination value (e.g., 1.5×No) (step S70). If the discrimination value (1.5×No) is not exceeded, the TCU 16 waits until the predetermined speed value is exceeded, repeating the discrimination of step S7O.

If the turbine speed Nt exceeds the speed (1.5×No) (at time t12 of FIG. 17(a)), then it indicates that hydraulic transmission control in a control section A of FIG. 17 is finished, and that a control section B is entered. In step S71 subsequent to step S70, the TCU 16 waits until one duty cycle terminates. Thereafter, the TCU 16 starts a hydraulic control operation such that the turbine speed Nt is increased toward the calculated turbine speed Ntc1 for the first gear ratio mode while adjusting the turbine speed changing rate ωt by feedback control. Thus, in hydraulic control operations in the control section B and control sections C and D subsequent thereto, the duty factor D24 of the release-side solenoid valve 48 is feedback-controlled so as to take a value such that the difference between the changing rate ωt and the predetermined target turbine speed changing rate ωto is minimized. Also, the turbine speed Nt is gradually increased toward the level of the calculated turbine speed Ntc1 for the first gear ratio mode.

In step S72, the TCU 16 first sets the target turbine speed changing rate ωto as follows:

    ωto=a10×No+b10,                                (23)

where a10 and b10 are constants which are set to predetermined values (positive values) corresponding to the control sections B, C and D. In the control section B immediately after the start of the feedback control, the values a10 and b10 are adjusted so that the target turbine speed changing rate ωto is set to a value such that the turbine speed Nt increases gradually. In the control section C next to the control section B, the changing rate is adjusted to a greater value than in the section B. Thus, in the section C, the turbine speed Nt increases more sharply. In the control section D during which the turbine speed Nt approaches the calculated turbine speed Ntc1 for the first gear ratio mode, the changing rate is reduced again to prevent an overshoot of the turbine speed Nt (see the time-based transition of the turbine speed Nt of FIG. 17(a)).

Then, the TCU 16 calculates and sets the duty factor D24 of the release-side solenoid valve 48 according to the same equations as equations (16) and (18), using the duty factor obtained, as an initial value, at time t12 when the turbine speed Nt exceeds the speed (1.5×No). Then, the TCU 16 delivers a driving signal such that the solenoid valve 48 is operated with the set duty factor D24 (step S74). The integral, proportional, and differential gains K_(I2), K_(P2), and K_(D2) in equations (16) and (18) are set to their respective optimum values for the shift schedule in the power-on down-shift mode.

After calculating the duty factor D24 and delivering the driving signal in step S74, the TCU 16 proceeds to step S76, and determines whether the turbine speed Nt has attained the level of the calculated turbine speed Ntc1 for the first gear ratio mode. If the conclusion of step S76 is NO, the program returns to step S71, and the operations of steps S71 to S76 are repeated.

At the time immediately after the control section B is entered, the disengagement of the release-side clutch 34 is just started. Therefore, an overshoot of the turbine speed Nt can be avoided by increasing the turbine speed Nt at the aforesaid target turbine speed changing rate ωto. When the turbine speed Nt is increased to the level of the product of the transfer drive gear speed No and a predetermined coefficient (e.g., 1.7), the TCU 16 concludes that the control section B is left, that is, the control section C is entered, and changes the target turbine speed changing rate ωto into a greater value in step S72 (at time t13 of FIG. 17(a)).

If the target turbine speed changing rate ωto is changed into the greater value, the duty factor D24 of the release-side solenoid valve 48 is adjusted (during the period between times t13 and t14 of FIG. 17(b)) to a value smaller than the value set in the control section B. Thus, the turbine speed Nt is quickly increased substantially at the target changing rate ωto. The greater the target changing rate ωto, the higher the transmission-control responsiveness will be.

Subsequently, when the turbine speed Nt is further increased to the level of the product of the transfer drive gear speed No and another predetermined coefficient (e.g., 2.4), that is, when the the second-speed clutch 34 is gradually disengaged so that the turbine speed Nt approaches the calculated turbine speed Ntc1 for the first gear ratio mode, the TCU 16 concludes that the control section C is left, that is, the control section D is entered, and changes the target turbine speed changing rate ωto in step S72 into a value smaller than the value set in the control section C (at time t14 of FIG. 17(a)). If the target turbine speed changing rate ωto is changed into the smaller value, the duty factor D24 of the release-side solenoid valve 48 is adjusted (during the period between times t14 and t15 of FIG. 17(b)) to a value greater than the value set in the control section C. Thus, the turbine speed Nt is slowly increased substantially at the target changing rate ωto, and therefore, can be prevented from substantially overshooting the calculated turbine speed Ntc1 for the first gear ratio mode.

If the conclusion of step S76 is YES, and when the turbine speed Nt is found to be on the same level as the calculated turbine speed Ntc1 for the first gear ratio mode (at time t14 of FIG. 17(a)), the hydraulic control operation in the control section D is completed, and than a hydraulic control operation in a control section E is started. In the hydraulic control operation in the control section E, the duty factor D24 of the release-side solenoid valve 48 is feedback-controlled so that the difference between the actual slipping rate N_(SR) and the target slipping rate N_(SO) (e.g., 20 rpm) is minimized, and the engagement of the first-speed clutch 33 on the connection side is gradually strengthened in the meantime. Thus, in step S78, the TCU 16 adjusts the duty factor D_(LR) of the connection-side solenoid valve 47 to the initial duty factor D_(d2), which, set in step S60, is smaller than the duty factor D_(LR) max, and delivers a driving signal such that the solenoid valve 47 is operated with the duty factor D_(LR) (at time t15 of FIG. 17(c)). Thereupon, the piston of the first-speed clutch 33 on the connection side starts to move gradually to the engagement side.

Subsequently, the TCU 16 waits until the predetermined period t_(D) terminates in step S79, then calculates the duty factor D24 of the release-side solenoid valve 48 for each duty cycle, according to the following equations (24) and (24a) which resemble equations (11) and (11a), respectively, and delivers a driving signal such that the solenoid valve 48 is operated with the duty factor D24 (step S80). There are relations:

    (D24).sub.n =(Di).sub.n +K.sub.P1 ×e.sub.n +K.sub.D1 (e.sub.n -e.sub.n-1),                                              (24)

    (Di).sub.n =(Di).sub.n-1 +K.sub.I1 ×e.sub.n +D.sub.H1,(24a)

where (Di)_(n-1) is an integral term set in the preceding duty cycle. Used as the initial value is a duty factor which is set immediately before time t15 when it is detected that the calculated turbine speed Ntc1 for the first gear ratio mode is exceeded by the turbine speed Nt. K_(I1), K_(P1), and K_(D1) are integral, proportional, and differential gains, which are set to their respective optimum values for the power-on down-shift mode. In equation (24), e_(n) is the difference (e_(n) =N_(SO) -N_(SR)) between the actual slipping rate N_(SR) and the target slipping rate N_(SO) for the present duty cycle, and e_(n-1) is the difference between the actual slipping rate N_(SR) and the target slipping rate N_(SO) for the preceding duty cycle.

D_(H1) is a correction of the turbine shaft torque set in accordance with a variation ΔTt of the turbine shaft torque caused when the engine torque Te is changed by acceleration work during the transmission control operation. The value D_(H1) is calculated according to equations (12) to (14).

Then, in steps S82 to S85, the TCU 16 determines whether it is detected in two consecutive duty cycles that the, absolute value of the actual slipping rate N_(SR) is smaller than a predetermined value (e.g., 5 rpm). More specifically, in step S82, the TCU 16 determines whether the absolute value of the actual slipping rate N_(SR) is smaller than the predetermined value (5 rpm). If the conclusion of step S82 is NO, the TCU 16 resets a flag value FLG to 0 (step S83). Thereupon, the program returns to step S79, and the operations of steps S79 to S82 are repeated. If the friction torque of the connection-side clutch 33 is small, and as long as the reduction of the friction torque of the clutch 34, i.e., the degree of disengagement thereof, is made greater than the increase of the friction torque of the clutch 33 by the feedback control so that the torque to increase the turbine speed Nt by means of the engine 10 in the power-on state is prevailing, the turbine speed Nt can be kept at a level higher than the calculated turbine speed Ntc1 for the first gear ratio mode by the target slipping rate N_(SO). If the friction torque of the clutch 33 becomes higher, however, the turbine speed Nt is gradually reduced so that the conclusion of step S82 turns to yES, whereupon the operation of step S84 is executed.

In step S84, the TCU determines whether the flag value FLG is equal to 1. If the turbine speed Nt decreases so that the conclusion of step S82 becomes YES for the first time, the conclusion of step S84 is NO. In this case, the flag value FLG is adjusted to 1 in step S85, whereupon the program returns to step S79, and the operations of steps S79 and S80 are executed. If it is detected twice, for two consecutive duty cycles, again in step S82 that the absolute value of the actual slipping rate N_(SR) is smaller than the predetermined value (5 rpm) (at time t16 of FIG. 17(a)), the conclusion of step S84 is YES. Thus, hydraulic control in the control section E is finished, and the operation of step S87 is executed.

In step S87, the TCU 16 sets both the duty factors D_(LR) and D24 of the connection- and release-side solenoid valves 47 and 48 to 0%, and delivers no driving signal to the valves 47 and 48. Thus, the disengagement of the second-speed clutch 34 and the engagement of first-speed clutch 33 are finished, whereupon the hydraulic transmission control for the power-on down-shift from the second gear ratio mode to the first is completed.

Hydraulic Control for Power-Off Up-Shift

FIGS. 18 to 20 are flow charts showing processes of hydraulic transmission control for a power-off up-shift mode. Referring to FIG. 21, the processes of hydraulic control will be described in connection with the case of shift-up operation from the first gear ratio mode to the second, by way of example.

In response to a shift signal for a power-off up-shift from the first gear ratio mode to the second, the TCU 16 first calculates the initial duty factor D_(U2) of the connection-side solenoid valves 48 according to the same equation as equation (9) (step S90).

Then, the TCU 16 adjusts the duty factor D_(LR) of the release-side solenoid valve 47 to the predetermined duty factor D_(LR) max for the hold pressure, and delivers an output signal such that the solenoid valve 47 is operated with the duty factor D_(LR). Thereupon, the piston 33b of the first-speed clutch 33, for use as the release-side frictional engagement element, is retreated toward a stand-by position where the clutch plate 33a slips entirely and the engagement can be resumed at once (step S92; time 21 of FIG. 21(b)). When the engine 10 is in a power-off operation mode, there is no possibility of the turbine speed Nt overshooting even if the release-side clutch 33 is disengaged immediately after the delivery of the shift signal. On the contrary, a transmission control shock may possibly be caused unless the clutch 33 is released without delay. Meanwhile, the TCU 16 sets the duty factor D24 of the connection-side solenoid valve 48 to 100%, and delivers an output signal such that the solenoid valve 48 is operated with the duty factor D24, i.e., a driving signal to fully open the solenoid valve 48. Thereupon, the piston 34b of the second-speed clutch 34, for use as a connection-side frictional engagement element, is advanced toward a position just before the clutch plate 34a starts to engage (at time t21 of FIG. 21(c)), and the initial pressure supply period T_(S1) is set in the timer (step S93).

The TCU 16 determines whether the initial pressure supply period T_(S1), set in step S93, is over (step S95). If the period T_(S1) is not over, the step S95 is repeated until the period T_(S1) terminates.

If the conclusion of step S95 is YES, that is, when the second-speed clutch 34 advances to the predetermined position just short of the engagement position after the termination of the initial pressure supply period T_(S1), the program proceeds to step S96. In step S96, the TCU 16 adjusts the duty factor D24 of the connection-side solenoid value 48 to the initial duty factor D_(U2) calculated in step S90, and then delivers a driving signal such that the valve 48 is operated with the duty factor D24 (at time t22 of FIG. 21(c)). When the predetermined period t_(D) for one duty cycle terminates (step S98), the TCU 16 adds a predetermined duty factor ΔD5 to the duty factor D24 of the solenoid valve 48 set in the preceding duty cycle, thereby providing a new duty factor D24, and delivers an output signal such that the solenoid valve 48 is operated with the new duty factor D24 (step S99). The added predetermined duty factor ΔD5 is set to a value such that the duty factor D24 of the solenoid valve 48 increases at a predetermined rate (e.g., 14 to 17% per second) (see the transition of the duty factor D24 from time t22 to t23 in FIG. 21(c)).

Subsequently, the program proceeds to step S100, whereupon the TCU 16 calculates the actual slipping rate N_(SR) according to equation (10), and compares the calculated value with a negative predetermined discrimination value ΔN_(SR2) (e.g., -8 to -12 rpm).

If the actual slipping rate N_(SR) is greater than the predetermined discrimination value ΔN_(SR2) (N_(SR) >ΔN_(SR2)), the program returns to step S98, whereupon the TCU 16 repeats the operations of steps S98 to S100, thereby gradually increasing the duty factor D24 of the solenoid valve 48. Thus, the connection-side clutch 34 starts to engage, so that the friction torque of the clutch 34 increases gradually. Thereupon, the turbine speed Nt decreases gradually, so that the conclusion of step S100 becomes YES. Then the program proceeds to step S102 of FIG. 19, whereupon hydraulic control in a control section A is finished, and hydraulic control in a control section B is started.

In the hydraulic control operations in the control section B and control sections C and D subsequent thereto, the duty factor D24 of the connection-side solenoid valve 48 is feedback-controlled so that the difference between the turbine speed changing rate ωt and the predetermined target turbine speed changing rate ωto is minimized. Thus, the turbine speed Nt is gradually decreased toward the calculated turbine speed Ntc2 for the second gear ratio mode.

After waiting until one duty cycle or the predetermined period t_(D) terminates in step S102, the program first sets the target turbine speed changing rate ωto to predetermined values previously stored corresponding to the control sections B to D. In the control section B immediately after the start of the feedback control, the target turbine speed changing rate ωto is set to a value such that the turbine speed Nt decreases gradually. In the control section C next to the control section B, the changing rate ωto is adjusted so that its absolute value is greater than in the section B. Thus, in the section C, the turbine speed Nt decreases more sharply. In the control section D during which the engagement of the second-speed clutch 34 is substantially completed so that the turbine speed Nt approaches the turbine speed Ntc2 for the second gear ratio mode, the absolute value of the changing rate is reduced again to prevent the shock of the transmission control (see the time-based transition of the turbine speed Nt of FIG. 21(a)).

Then, the TCU 16 calculates and sets the duty factor D24 of the connection-side solenoid valve 48 according to equations (16) and (18), using the duty factor obtained, as an initial value, at time t23 when it is detected that the actual slipping rate N_(SR) is reduced to the level of the negative predetermined slipping rate ΔN_(S2) (e.g., -8 to -12 rpm) or less. Then, the TCU 16 delivers a driving signal such that the solenoid valve 48 is operated with the set duty factor D24 (step S106). The integral, proportional, and differential gains K_(I2), K_(P2), and K_(D2) in equations (16) and (18) are set to their respective optimum values for the shift schedule in the power-off up-shift mode.

After calculating the duty factor D24 and delivering the driving signal in step S106, the TCU 16 proceeds to step S107, and determines whether the turbine speed Nt is lowered to the predetermined speed Ntc20 which is higher than the calculated turbine speed Ntc2 for the second Sear ratio mode by ΔNtc2 (e.g., 80 to 120 rpm). If the conclusion of steP S107 is NO, the program returns to step S102, and the operations of steps S102 to S107 are repeated.

At the time immediately after the control section B is entered, the engagement of the connection-side clutch 34 is just started. Therefore, the shock of the transmission control at the start of the engagement can be avoided by reducing the turbine speed Nt at the aforesaid target turbine speed changing rate ωto. When the turbine speed Nt is reduced to the level of the product of the transfer drive gear speed No and a predetermined coefficient (e.g., 2.8), the TCU 16 concludes that the control section B is left, that is, the control section C is entered, and changes the absolute value of the target changing rate ωto in step S104 into a value greater than the value used in the control section C (at time t24 of FIG. 21(a)).

If the absolute value of the target turbine speed changing rate ωto is changed into the greater value, the duty factor D24 of the connection-side solenoid valve 48 is adjusted (during the period between times t24 and t25 of FIG. 21(c)) to a value greater than the value set in the control section B. Thus, the turbine speed Nt is quickly lowered substantially at the target changing rate ωto set in this manner. The greater the absolute value of the target value ωto, the higher the transmission-control responsiveness will be.

Subsequently, when the turbine speed Nt is further reduced to the level of the product of the transfer drive gear speed No and another predetermined coefficient (e.g., 2.2), that is, when the piston of the second-speed clutch 34 is gradually moved close to the engagement end position, the TCU 16 concludes that the control section C is left, that is, the control section D is entered, and changes the absolute value of the target turbine speed changing rate ωto in step S104 into a value smaller than the value set in the control section C (at time t25 of FIG. 21(a)). If the absolute value of the target turbine speed changing rate ωto is changed into the smaller value, the duty factor D24 of the connection-side solenoid valve 48 is adjusted (during the period between times t25 and t26 of FIG. 21(c)) to a value smaller than the value set in the control section C. Thus, the turbine speed Nt is slowly decreased at a rate substantially equal to a rate equal to the target changing rate ωto. As a result, the turbine speed Nt is changed so smoothly into the calculated turbine speed Ntc2 for the second gear ratio mode that the transmission-control shock can be avoided near the time when the engagement of the connection-side clutch 34 is completed.

If the conclusion of step S107 is YES, that is, when the turbine speed Nt attains the level of the predetermined speed Ntc20 just higher than the calculated turbine speed Ntc2 for the second gear ratio mode (at time t26 of FIG. 21(c)), the TCU 16 sets a predetermined period T_(SF) (e.g., 0.5 sec) in the aforesaid timer (step S109), and waits until the period T_(SF) terminates (step S110). By doing this, the TCU 16 can securely complete the engagement of the connection-side clutch 34.

When the predetermined period T_(SF) terminates so that the conclusion of step S110 is YES, the program proceeds to step S112, and the TCU 16 sets both the duty factors D_(LR) and D24 of the release- and connection-side solenoid valves 47 and 48 to 100%, and delivers a driving signal such that the solenoid valves 47 and 48 are operated with the duty factors D_(LR) and D24 (at time t27 of FIGS. 21(b) and 21(c)). Thus, the hydraulic transmission control for the power-off up-shift from the first gear ratio mode to the second is completed.

Hydraulic Control for Power-Off Down-Shift

FIGS. 22 to 24 are flow charts showing processes of hydraulic transmission control for a power-off down-shift mode. Referring to FIG. 25, the processes of hydraulic control will be described in connection with the case of shift-down operation from the second gear ratio mode to the first, by way of example.

In response to a shift signal for a power-off down-shift from the second gear ratio mode to the first, the TCU 16 first calculates the respective initial duty factors D_(d1) and D_(d2) of the solenoid valves 47 and 48 according to equations (21) and (22) (step S114). The values a8, c8, a9, and c9 in equations (21) and (22) are set to their respective optimum values for the power-off down-shift from the second speed to the first.

Then, the TCU 16 adjusts the duty factor D24 of the release-side solenoid valve 48 to the initial duty factor D_(d1) set in step S114, and delivers an output signal such that the solenoid valve 48 is operated with the duty factor D24. Thereupon, the piston 34b of the second-speed clutch 34, for use as the release-side frictional engagement element, is retreated toward the position just before the clutch plate 34a slips (step S115; time t31 of FIG. 25(b)). Meanwhile, the TCU 16 sets the duty factor D_(LR) of the connection-side solenoid valve 47 to 0%, and delivers an output signal such that the solenoid valve 47 is operated with the duty factor D_(LR). Thereupon, the piston 33b of the first-speed clutch 33, for use as the connection-side frictional engagement element, is moved toward a position just before the clutch plate 33a starts to engage (at time t31 of FIG. 25(c)), and the initial pressure supply period T_(S2) is set in the timer (step S116).

The TCU 16 waits until the predetermined period t_(D), i.e., one duty cycle (28.6 msec), terminates (step S118), and then subtracts a predetermined duty factor ΔD6 from the duty factor D24 set in the preceding duty cycle, thus providing a new duty factor D24. Then, the TCU 16 delivers an output signal such that the solenoid valve 48 is operated with the duty cycle D24 (step S120). The subtracted predetermined duty factor ΔD6 is set to a value such that the duty factor D24 of the solenoid value 48 decreases at a predetermined rate (e.g., 8 to 12% per second) (see the transition of the duty factor D24 from time t31 to t33 in FIG. 25(b)). The TCU 16 determines whether the initial pressure supply period T_(S2), set in step S116, is over (step S122). If the period T_(S2) is not over, the program returns to step S118, and steps S118 to S122 are repeated. As a result, the duty factor D24 of the solenoid valve 48 is gradually reduced so that the release-side clutch 34 gradually moves toward the engagement start position.

If the conclusion of step S122 is YES, that is, when the first-speed clutch 33 advances to the predetermined position just short of the engagement start position after the termination of the initial pressure supply period T_(S2), the program proceeds to step S124 of FIG. 23. In step S124, the TCU 16 adjusts the duty factor D_(LR) of the solenoid value 47 to the initial duty factor D_(d2) calculated in step S114, and then delivers a driving signal such that the valve 47 is operated with the duty factor D_(LR) (at time t32 of FIG. 25(c)). Thereupon, the piston of the connection-side clutch 33 continues to move gradually toward the engagement start position. The duty factor D_(LR) of the solenoid valve 47 is kept at the level of the initial duty factor D_(d2) until a control section C (mentioned later) is entered (at time t34 of FIG. 25(c)).

Subsequently, when the predetermined period t_(D) for one duty cycle terminates (step S125), the TCU 16 continues (step S126) the calculation of the new duty factor D24 and delivery of the output signal for the valve operation therewith in the same manner as in step S120. Then, the program proceeds to step S128, whereupon, the TCU 16 calculates an actual slipping rate N_(SR) according to equation (25), and compares the calculated value with a negative predetermined discrimination value ΔN_(SR2) (e.g., -8 to -12 rpm). There is a relation:

    N.sub.SR =Nt-Ntc2,                                         (25)

where Ntc2 is a calculated turbine speed for the second gear ratio mode, which is obtained by multiplying the transfer drive gear speed No by a predetermined number.

If the actual slipping rate N_(SR) is greater than the negative predetermined discrimination value ΔN_(SR2) (N_(SR) > ΔN_(SR2)), the program returns to step S125, whereupon the TCU 16 repeats the operations of steps S125 to S128. Thus, the second-speed clutch 34 on the release side is gradually disengaged. If the first-speed clutch 33 on the connection side, at this time, is yet to start engagement, the turbine speed Nt gradually decreases in the latter half of a control section A of FIG. 25(a) (between time t31 for shift signal output and time t33 for the detection of the actual slipping rate N_(SR) attaining the predetermined discrimination value ΔN_(SR2) or less). When it is detected that the actual slipping rate N_(SR) is not more than the predetermined discrimination value ΔN_(SR2) (N_(SR) ≧ ΔN_(SR2)), the program proceeds to step S130.

In step S130, the TCU 16 adds a predetermined duty factor ΔD7 (e.g., 2 to 6%) to the duty factor D24 of the release-side solenoid valve 48 set in the preceding duty cycle, thereby providing a new duty factor D24. Using this duty factor D24 as an initial value, the TCU 16 starts feedback control such that the difference e_(n) (=N_(S1) -N_(SR)) between the actual slipping rate N_(SR) and a predetermined target slipping rate N_(S1) (e.g., -20 rpm) is minimized. When the connection-side clutch 33 is yet to start engagement, the turbine speed Nt tends to decrease, due to reduction of the friction torque, if the duty factor D24 of the release-side clutch 34 is set to a smaller value. If the duty factor D24 is set to a greater value, on the other hand, the friction torque increases, so that the turbine speed Nt tends to increase. Thus, the turbine speed Nt can be kept at a predetermined value through the feedback control of the duty factor D24.

Thereupon, the TCU 16 waits until one duty cycle ends in step S132, and then sets the duty factor D24 of the release-side solenoid valve 48 for each duty cycle according to equations (24) and (24a) (step S134). The integral, proportional, and differential gains K_(I1), K_(P1), and K_(D1) in equations (24) and (24a) are set to their respective optimum values for the power-off down-shift mode.

Subsequently, the TCU 16 determines whether the actual slipping rate N_(SR) is not less than a predetermined slipping rate ΔN_(S2) (e.g., 3 to 8 rpm) (step S135). If the conclusion of step S135 is NO, the program returns to step S132, whereupon the TCU 16 repeatedly executes steps S132 to S135 until the actual rate N_(SR) becomes not less than the predetermined rate ΔN_(S2). Thereupon, the duty factor D24 of the release-side solenoid valve 48 is feedback-controlled so that the difference between the actual slipping rate N_(SR) and the target slipping rate N_(S1) is reduced, or that the rate N_(SR) and N_(S1) are equal. On the other hand, the duty factor D_(LR) of the connection-side solenoid valve 47 is kept constant at the level of the initial duty factor D_(d2). As a result, an operating oil pressure corresponding to the initial duty factor D_(d2) of the solenoid valve 47 is supplied to the hydraulic chamber 33c of the first-speed clutch 33 via the first hydraulic control valve 44, so that the clutch 33 starts to engage, and the piston 33b of the clutch 33 gradually moves to its engagement end position. As the piston 33b of the clutch 33 moves in this manner, the turbine speed Nt starts to increase. The duty factor D24 of the solenoid valve 48 is set to a smaller value such that the increase of the turbine speed Nt is canceled, so that the value of the duty factor D24 diminishes gradually. Although the duty factor D24 of the release-side solenoid valve 48 is set to the smaller value, the turbine speed Nt increases due to an increase of the engaging force of the engagement-side clutch 33. At time t34 of FIG. 25(a), therefore, the actual slipping rate N_(SR) becomes not less than the predetermined slipping rate ΔN_(S2). When the TCU 16 detects this (YES in step S135), the program advances to step S136 shown in FIG. 24. Thus, hydraulic control in a control section B (between times t33 and t34) shown in FIG. 25 is finished.

If the actual slipping rate N_(SR) is found to be not less than the predetermined slipping rate ΔN_(S2) in the control section B, step S136 of FIG. 24 is executed. If it ia detected twice in two consecutive duty cycles, for example, in the control section A that the actual slipping rate N_(SR) is increased to the level of the predetermined slipping rate ΔN_(S2) or more by any disturbance, the hydraulic control in the control section B may be omitted. In this case, the program proceeds directly to step S136 of FIG. 24, whereupon hydraulic control in the control section C is started.

In hydraulic control operations in the control section C and control sections D and E subsequent thereto, the duty factor D_(LR) of the connection-side solenoid valve 47 is feedback-controlled so that the difference between the turbine speed changing rate ωt and the predetermined target turbine speed changing rate ωto is minimized. Thus, the turbine speed Nt is gradually increased toward a calculated turbine speed Ntc1 for the first gear ratio mode.

In step S136, the TCU 16 first adjusts the duty factor D24 of the release-side solenoid valve 48 to a predetermined duty factor D24min for the aforesaid hold pressure so that the hold pressure is supplied to the second-speed clutch 34. After waiting until the predetermined period t_(D) terminates (step S138), the TCU 16 reads out a predetermined value previously stored in the memories, corresponding to each of the control sections C, D and E, and sets the read value as the target turbine speed changing rate ωto (step S139). In the control section C immediately after the start of the feedback control, the target turbine speed changing rate ωto to be read in this manner is set to a small value such that the turbine speed Nt decreases gradually. In the control section D next to the control section C, the changing rate ωto is set to a greater value than in the section C. Thus, in the section D, the turbine speed Nt decreases more sharply. In the control section E during which the engagement of the first-speed clutch 33 finishes, the changing rate is reduced again to prevent the shock of the transmission control (see the time-based transition of the turbine speed Nt of FIG. 25(a)).

Then, the TCU 16 calculates and sets the duty factor D_(LR) of the connection-side solenoid valve 47 according to the following equations (26) and (26a) similar to equations (16) and (18), respectively, using the initial duty factor D_(d2) obtained, as an initial value, at time t34 when it is detected that the actual slipping rate N_(SR) is increased to the level of the Predetermined slipping rate ΔN_(S2) or more. Then, the TCU 16 delivers a driving signal such that the solenoid valve 47 is operated with the set duty factor D_(LR) (step S140). There are relations:

    (D.sub.LR).sub.n =(Di).sub.n +K.sub.P1 ×E.sub.n +K.sub.D1 (E.sub.n -E.sub.n-1),                                              (26)

    (Di).sub.n =(Di).sub.n-1 +K.sub.I1 ×E.sub.n +D.sub.H1 +D.sub.H2,(26a)

where (Di)_(n-1) is an integral term set in the preceding duty cycle, K_(Il), K_(P1), and K_(D1) are integral, proportional, and differential gains, which are set to their respective optimum values for the power-off down-shift mode. In equations (26) and (26a), moreover, E_(n) is the difference between (E_(n) =ωto-ωt) between the actual turbine speed changing rate ωt and the target turbine speed changing rate ωto for the present duty cycle set in step S139, and E_(n-1) is the difference between the actual turbine speed changing rate ωt and the target turbine speed changing rate ωto for the preceding duty cycle.

D_(H1) is a correction of the turbine shaft torque set in accordance with a variation ΔTt of the turbine shaft torque caused when the engine torque Te is changed by acceleration work during the transmission control operation. The correction D_(H1) is calculated according to equations (12) to (14).

D_(H2) is a corrected duty factor for the change of the target turbine speed changing rate, which is used only when the control section changes from C to D or from D to E. This value is obtained from equations (19) and (20). In equation (19), the coefficient α is set to an optimum value for the transmission control pattern of the power-off down-shift mode.

After calculating the duty factor D_(LR) and delivering the driving signal in step S140, the TCU 16 proceeds to step S142, and determines whether the turbine speed Nt has attained a predetermined speed Ntc10 which is lower than the calculated turbine speed Ntc1 for the first gear ratio mode by a predetermined value (e.g., 80 to 120 rpm). If the conclusion of step S142 is NO, the program returns to step S138, and the operations of steps S138 to S142 are repeated.

At the time immediately after the control section C is entered, the engagement of the connection-side clutch 33 is just started. Therefore, the shock of the transmission control at the start of the engagement can be avoided by increasing the turbine speed Nt at the aforesaid target turbine speed changing rate ωto. When the turbine speed Nt is increased to the level of the product of the transfer drive gear speed No and a predetermined coefficient (e.g., 1.7), the TCU 16 concludes that the control section C is left, that is, the control section D is entered, and changes the target changing rate ωto in step S139 into a greater value (at time t35 of FIG. 25(a)).

If the target turbine speed changing rate ωto is changed into the greater value, the duty factor D_(LR) of the connection-side solenoid valve 47 is adjusted (during the period between times t35 and t36 of FIG. 25(c)) to a value smaller than the value set in the control section C. Thus, the turbine speed Nt is quickly increased substantially at the target changing rate ωto. The greater the target value ωto, the higher the transmission-control responsiveness will be.

Subsequently, when the turbine speed Nt is further increased to the level of the product of the transfer drive gear speed No and another predetermined coefficient (e.g., 2.4), that is, when the piston of the first-speed clutch 33 is gradually moved close to the engagement end position so that the turbine speed Nt approaches the calculated turbine speed Ntc1 for the first gear ratio mode, the TCU 16 concludes that the control section D is left, that is, the control section E is entered, and changes the target turbine speed changing rate ωto in step S139 into a value smaller than the value set in the control section D (at time t36 of FIG. 25(a)). If the target turbine speed changing rate ωto is changed into the smaller value, the duty factor D_(LR) of the connection-side solenoid valve 47 is adjusted (during the period between times t36 and t37 of FIG. 25(c)) to a value greater than the value set in the control section D. Thus, the turbine speed Nt is slowly increased at a rate which is substantially the target changing rate ωto. As a result, the transmission-control shock can be avoided near the time when the engagement of the connection-side clutch 33 is completed.

If the conclusion of step S142 is YES, that is, when the turbine speed Nt attains the level of the predetermined speed Ntc10 just lower than the calculated turbine speed Ntc1 for the first gear ratio mode by the predetermined value (80 to 120 rpm) (at time t37 of FIG. 25(c)), the TCU 16 immediately sets both the duty factors D24 and D_(LR) of the release- and connection-side solenoid valves 48 and 47 to 0% , and delivers a driving signal such that the solenoid valves 48 and 47 are operated with the duty factors D24 and D_(LR), respectively (at time t37 of FIGS. 25(b) and 25(c)). Thus, the hydraulic transmission control for the power-off down-shift from the second gear ratio mode to the first is completed.

Learning Control for Initial Pressure Supply Period

Referring now to FIGS. 26 to 32, there will be described a method for setting the initial pressure supply periods T_(S1) and T_(S2).

The initial pressure supply periods T_(S) (T_(S1), T_(S2)) are set in order to shorten an ineffective stroke period required for the pistons 33b and 34b of the hydraulic clutches 33 and 34 to move for a piston ineffective stroke. The piston ineffective stroke extends from a position (operating pressure release position), where the pistons are completely released from the operating pressure and fully returned by the urging force of their corresponding return springs (not shown), to a position just short of the clutch engagement start position. When the pistons travel within the ineffective stroke, the respective duty factors of the solenoid valves 47 and 48 are adjusted to values for the maximum piston stroke speed. More specifically, the ineffective stroke traveling period is always updated by learning control when the duty factors of the normally-closed and -open solenoid valves 48 and 47 are set to 100% and 0%, respectively.

FIG. 26 shows the learning routine for initial pressure supply periods. In this routine, the TCU 16 first determines whether the initial pressure supply periods are allowed to be learned and updated, that is, whether the learning conditions are effected (step S160). The learning conditions to be effected include the following items.

(1) The target transmission control mode should be coincident with the next transmission control mode (If the throttle valve is quickly opened so that the target transmission control mode is changed directly from the first gear ratio mode to the third, skipping the second gear ratio mode, for example, the target mode (third gear ratio mode) will not agree with the next transmission control mode (second gear ratio mode)).

(2) A predetermined time (e.g., 10 sec) ought to have passed after the preceding process of transmission control.

(3) The engine speed during transmission control should be at a predetermined speed level (e.g., 1,500 rpm) or higher.

(4) The operating oil temperature should be within a predetermined temperature range (e.g., 50 to 80° C.).

If any of these requirements (1) to (4) is not fulfilled, that is, if the conclusion of step S160 is NO, the present routine is finished, and a learning value (n₁₀₀)₈₀ for the initial pressure supply periods is not updated. In this case, the learning value (n₁₀₀)₈₀ stored in the memories continues to be used.

If the conclusion of step S160 is YES, the program proceeds to step S162, whereupon the TCU 16 reads out a stroke speed Ki, stored in the memories during the preceding process of transmission control, and a duty cycle number n_(i), obtained when the clutch is driven at the speed Ki, and also reads out an oil temperature correction factor γ, corresponding to the oil temperature t_(oil) detected by the oil temperature sensor 19, from tables shown in FIG. 32 (mentioned later).

FIG. 27 shows duty factor/stroke speed characteristic curves illustrating the relationships between the stroke speed Ki and a duty factor Di obtained during the ineffective stroke of the clutch with use of the operating oil temperature t_(oil) (°C.) as a parameter. The stroke speed Ki is a stroke length per cycle (mm/cycle) for the duty factor Di, and the characteristic curves of FIG. 27 are empirically obtained beforehand. The duty factor/stroke speed characteristics for a reference operating oil temperature (80° C.) shown in FIG. 27 are stored for the individual clutches, in the memories of the TCU 16, and the value Ki corresponding to the duty factor Di, with which the solenoid valve is operated, is read out.

Based on the read stroke speed Ki, duty cycle number n_(i), and oil temperature correction factor γ, the TCU 16 calculates, according to the following equation (38), the cycle number (n₁₀₀)₈₀ required for the ineffective stroke of the clutch when the solenoid valve is operated with 100% duty factor for the reference oil temperature (80° C.), that is, when the maximum practically allowable oil pressure (maximum effective oil pressure) is supplied to the clutch, and stores in the memories the calculated cycle number (step S164). The cycle number (n₁₀₀)₈₀ is given by

    (n.sub.100).sub.80 =Σ{(γ).sub.t ×(Ki).sub.80 ×(n.sub.i).sub.t }÷(K.sub.100).sub.80 -α, (38)

where α is an allowance drive cycle number (mentioned later).

FIGS. 28 and 29 schematically show the relationships between the duty factor Di, duty cycle number n_(i), and variation of the clutch stroke length obtained when the initial pressure is supplied in the power-on up-shift mode shown in FIG. 13. Let it be supposed that the normally-closed solenoid valve 48 is operated with the duty factors of 100%, 30%, and 60% for the cycle numbers of n₁₀₀, n₃₀, and n₆₀, respectively, during the period between the instant that the shift signal shown in FIG. 13(c) is delivered and the time for the start of the feedback control in the control region C where the start of the engagement of the clutch 34 can be detected. Thereupon, the piston of the clutch 34 first travels at a stroke speed K₁₀₀ corresponding to the 100% duty factor for the cycle number n₁₀₀, then at a stroke speed K₃₀ corresponding to the 30% duty factor for the cycle number n₃₀, and finally at a stroke speed K₆₀ corresponding to the 60 % duty factor for the cycle number n₆₀. Thus, the piston can be considered to have moved through the whole ineffective stroke. Referring further to FIG. 29, the ineffective stroke S of the clutch 34 is given by

    S=K.sub.100 ×n.sub.100 +K.sub.30 ×n.sub.30 +K.sub.60 ×n.sub.60.

Actually, the stroke speed Ki for each duty factor should be corrected by means of the oil temperature correction factor γ, so that the ineffective stroke S is generally given by

    S=Σ{(γ).sub.t ×(Ki).sub.80 ×(n.sub.i).sub.t }.

The cycle number for the stroke speed (K₁₀₀)₈₀ can be obtained by dividing the ineffective stroke S, obtained in this manner, by a stroke speed (K₁₀₀)₈₀ corresponding to the 100% duty factor for the reference oil temperature. The cycle number (n₁₀₀)₈₀ for the drive with the 100% duty factor can be obtained from equation (38) in which the allowance drive cycle number is subtracted from the cycle number obtained as aforesaid (see FIG. 28(b)).

Thus, the calculation and storage of the 100-%-duty drive cycle number (n₁₀₀)₈₀ in step S164 are finished, whereupon the present routine ends.

FIG. 30 shows an initial pressure supply period setting routine, which is executed in moving the piston 34b of the clutch 34 through the ineffective stroke by means of the normally-closed solenoid valve 48. The initial pressure supply period T_(S1) is set in this routine.

First, in step S170, the TCU 16 reads out the oil temperature correction factor γ from an oil temperature correction factor table shown in FIG. 32, in accordance with the oil temperature t_(oil) detected by means of the oil temperature sensor. Also, the TCU 16 reads out the value (n₁₀₀)₈₀, calculated and stored in the initial pressure supply period leaning routine of FIG. 26, from the memories. The oil temperature correction factor table of FIG. 32 shows the relationship between the oil temperature correction factor γ and the oil temperature t_(oil), based on the duty factor/stroke characteristic curves for the individual oil temperatures shown in FIG. 27. In step S172, the TCU 16 determines whether the clutch 34 is in the middle of the full pressure release process, that is, whether the clutch 34 is being released from the operating oil pressure with the duty factor of the solenoid valve 48 at 0%. If the conclusion of step S172 is NO, the program proceeds to step Sl73, whereupon the 100-%-duty drive cycle number (n₁₀₀)80 read out in step S170 is set for the parameter value (N₁₀₀)₈₀. Then, oil temperature correction is effected with use of the read oil temperature correction factor γ for the parameter value (N₁₀₀)₈₀, in accordance with equation (39). The result of this correction is stored as an initial pressure supply cycle number (N₁₀₀)t_(oil) for the oil temperature t_(oil), and the initial pressure supply period T_(S1) is calculated according to equation (40) and stored.

    (N.sub.100)t.sub.oil =(N.sub.100).sub.80 /γ,         (39)

    T.sub.S1 =28.6×(N.sub.100)t.sub.oil.                 (40)

If the conclusion of step S172 is YES, the program proceeds to step S174, whereupon the TCU 16 calculates the parameter value (N₁₀₀)₈₀ as follows:

    (N.sub.100).sub.80 =(t.sub.i /t.sub.m)×(n.sub.100).sub.80,(41)

where t_(m), as shown in FIG. 31, is the time (full return stroke time) required for the piston 34b of the clutch 34 to be returned from its full stroke position to its release position by the urging force of a return spring (not shown). The full release position is the position reached after the ineffective stroke is covered by the piston with the operating oil pressure at 0 (full release pressure). In equation (41), moreover, t_(i) is the time elapsed (return stroke time) while the piston 34b of the clutch 34 in the middle of the full pressure release process moves from the full stroke position to the position corresponding to the present cycle. When supplying the initial pressure again in the middle of the full pressure release process, the conclusion of step S172 is YES, so that there is a relation t_(i) < t_(m). Thus, (t_(i) /t_(m)) indicates the ratio of the distance for the return to the distance from the full stroke position of the piston of the clutch S4 to the release position thereof. The time required for the return of the piston to the full stroke position can be obtained by multiplying the value (n₁₀₀)₈₀ by the value (t_(i) /_(tm)).

The parameter value (N₁₀₀)₈₀ calculated in step S174 is applied to equations (39) and (40) used in step S176, and the initial pressure supply cycle number (N₁₀₀)t_(oil) and the initial pressure supply period T_(S1) are calculated and stored.

Predetermined values stored in the memories of the TCU 16 are used as the initial values of the initial pressure supply cycle number (N₁₀₀)t_(oil) and the initial pressure supply period T_(S1), at the time of shipment or engine start. These initial values are set in step S10 of FIG. 4.

The aforementioned embodiment shown in FIGS. 26 to 32 is applied to the normally-closed solenoid valve 48. A description of a learning routine for a 0-%-duty drive cycle number (N₀)₈₀ for the reference oil temperature (80° C.) and a setting routine for the initial pressure supply period T_(S2), for the normally-open solenoid valve 47, which can be easily understood from the above description, is omitted herein.

In connection with the above embodiment, only the processes of hydraulic control operation for the transmission control or shift between the first and second gear ratio modes have been described herein for simplicity of illustration. It is to be understood, however, that processes of hydraulic transmission control operation for any other combination of transmission gear ratio modes, e.g., for shift between second and third gear ration modes, can be explained in like manner.

In the embodiment described above, moreover, the hydraulic clutches are used as the frictional engagement elements for transmission control. Alternatively, however, transmission control brakes may be used for this purpose. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An operation control method for a frictional engagement element which includes engaging means and piston means for urging said engaging means to engage, the operation of said piston means being controlled by means of pressurized oil supplied through a hydraulic control device operated in accordance with a control signal to produce an oil pressure of a level corresponding to a value of the control signal input thereto, said piston means having an ineffective stroke section between a first position reached when said pressurized oil is not supplied from said hydraulic control device and a second position just before said engaging means starts to engage,said method comprising: previously storing data representing a relationship between the value of the control signal input to said hydraulic control device and the stroke speed of said piston means; detecting value of the control signals input to said hydraulic control device while said piston means travels through said ineffective stroke section, and detecting drive periods corresponding individually to said values of the control signals; obtaining stroke speeds corresponding individually to the detected values of the control signals, based on the previously stored data representing said relationship; calculating products of the obtained stroke speeds and the detected drive periods corresponding thereto; calculating an ineffective stroke amount of said piston means from the sum total of the products of the obtained stroke speeds and the detected drive periods corresponding thereto; storing the calculated ineffective stroke amount as a new ineffective stroke amount, each time said piston means travels through said ineffective stroke section;and obtaining a drive period of said piston means in accordance with the stored new ineffective stroke amount and the value of a desired control signal to be input to said hydraulic control device, and supplying the value of said desired control signal over the obtained drive period, when said piston means is moved through said ineffective stroke section, thereby causing said piston means to reach said second position.
 2. The operation control method according to claim 1, wherein said new ineffective stroke amount is calculated and stored only when predetermined conditions are fulfilled.
 3. The operation control method according to claim 1, wherein:said hydraulic control device comprises hydraulic source means for producing the oil pressure, an oil passage connecting said hydraulic source means and said piston means, and a solenoid valve disposed in an intermediate portion of said oil passage and for controlling the oil pressure supplied to said piston means by changing the duty factor of said solenoid valve; and said solenoid valve is controlled by a duty factor control signal input to said hydraulic control device.
 4. The operation control method according to claim 1, which further comprises:calculating the supply time required for moving said piston means through said ineffective stroke section at the maximum effective oil pressure, on the basis of said new ineffective stroke amount; and supplying said maximum effective oil pressure to said piston means over said calculated maximum effective oil pressure supply time.
 5. The operation control method according to claim 1, which further comprises detecting the temperature of the pressurized oil supplied to said piston means, and correcting the stored value of said ineffective stroke amount by means of said detected pressurized oil temperature.
 6. The operation control method according to claim 1, which further comprises:previously storing a full return stroke time required for said piston means to be returned from said second position to said first position by full pressure release; when said piston means is moved again toward said second position while being caused to travel from said second position to said first position by said full pressure release, calculating the value of a return stroke position of said piston means on the basis of the stored value of said full return stroke time and a return stroke time of said piston means in the course of said travel; correcting the stored value of said ineffective stroke amount by means of the calculated value of said return stroke position; and obtaining a drive period of said piston means in accordance with the corrected ineffective stroke amount and the value of a desired control signal to be input to said hydraulic control device.
 7. The operation control method according to claim 1, wherein said frictional engagement element comprises clutch means used in an automatic vehicular transmission system.
 8. The operation control method according to claim 1, wherein said frictional engagement element comprises brake means used in an automatic vehicular transmission system. 